What is GFCI ?
Unlike ordinary outlets and circuit breakers designed to protect your home’s electrical system, GFCI outlets, or “ground fault circuit interrupters”, are designed to protect people from electrical shock. GFCI outlets are easily identified by the “test” and “reset” buttons on the front side.
The importance
GFCI outlets reduce the risk of electrical fires and prevent serious electrical shocks by controlling electrical current, cutting off power or tripping when the outlets detect an imbalance or excess current in an unintended path. Super sensitive and with a much faster response time than circuit breakers or fuses, they react in as little as one-thirtieth of a second, before the electricity affects your heart rate.
Different type of GFCI
There are several types of GFCIs available, depending on construction application:
Receptacle GFCI:
The Receptacle Type incorporates a GFCI device within one or more receptacle outlets. Such devices are becoming popular because of their low cost.
Portable GFCI:
Portable Type GFCIs come in several styles, all designed for easy transport. Some are designed to plug into existing non-GFCI outlets, or connect with a cord and plug arrangement. The portable type also incorporates a no-voltage release device that will disconnect power to the outlets if any supply conductor is open. Units approved for outdoor use will be in enclosures suitable for the environment. If exposed to rain, they must be listed as waterproof.
Cord-connected GFCI:
The Cord-Connected Type of GFCI is an attachment plug incorporating the GFCI module. It protects the cord and any equipment attached to the cord. The attachment plug has a non-standard appearance with test and reset buttons. Like the portable type, it incorporates a no-voltage release device that will disconnect power to the load if any supply conductor is open.
How it works
Unlike the fuse in a house, the GFCI is built into the socket itself. When you plug in an appliance, such as a hair dryer, the GFCI outlet controls the amount of current flowing to the appliance. If you accidentally drop the appliance into a sink full of water, the GFCI detects the interruption in power and shuts off the supply, which can save your life.
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